Can You Take Probiotics While Pregnant?

Probiotics have become more popular in the past few years, and many people love them for their gut health benefits. But if you’re expecting, you might wonder if it’s safe to take probiotics during pregnancy.

The good news—it’s generally okay to take a probiotic while pregnant, but it’s important to ask your doctor before starting or continuing any supplement or medication. Because while a probiotic can have benefits for both Mom and baby, there are some things to consider.

“I loaded up on yogurt when I was pregnant for its probiotic effect,” shares Lauren Barth, associate content director at The Bump and mom of three. “I had to stop my regular probiotic. My doctor was fine with me taking it, but—on top of my giant prenatal vitamin—I just couldn’t swallow another big pill.”

So, can you take probiotics while pregnant—and should you? Here’s everything to know about their safety, straight from the experts.

Key Takeaways

• Probiotics are live microorganisms that help support gut and digestive health, as well as other conditions. They can be found in supplement form, or in foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut.
• It’s generally safe to take probiotic supplements while pregnant, but it’s important to speak with your doctor about the type of probiotic you’re taking and any health conditions you may have.
• As an alternative or complement to probiotic supplements, it’s beneficial to eat probiotic foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, soy products like miso and tempeh, and kimchi. Make sure that the foods you eat during pregnancy are pasteurized.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help your gut and fight dysbiosis, aka an imbalance of “good” vs. “bad” organisms in your body that can lead to various health issues.

“Probiotics are live microorganisms that can have health benefits when given in certain dosages,” explains Dr. Ashlee O’Shell, MD, FACOG, a board-certified ob-gyn at Associated Obstetrics and Gynecology in Michigan. You can find them in oral supplements (such as pills or drinks), certain foods and other health products.

However you take them, probiotics introduce specific “good” microorganisms into your body, beefing up the population that was already there. The most common microbes found in probiotics are lactobacillus, bifidobacterium and saccharomyces, says Dr. O’Shell.

Are Probiotics Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, you can take probiotics while pregnant—if your doctor gives you the okay. Probiotics with the lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species are the safest bet to take while pregnant, as they’re the most studied, explains Dr. O’Shell. On the flip side, “saccharomyces’ safety profile is unknown during pregnancy and is typically avoided,” she warns.

Potential Benefits of Taking Probiotics While Pregnant

One of the biggest benefits of of taking probiotics while pregnant is that it can potentially help lower the risk for developing gestational diabetes and improve your glucose metabolism. According to Dr. Jennifer Ludgin, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and the associate director of labor and delivery at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, starting a multi-strain probiotic early in pregnancy (i.e. in the first or beginning of the second trimester) increases the likelihood of this effect.

There’s also some evidence that taking probiotics during pregnancy could help prevent baby eczema.

“After my first two babies struggled with cradle cap, eczema and—for my second-born—severe food allergies, I spent a lot of time researching ways to support gut health in utero,” shares Mandy D., a mom of three in Trumbull, Connecticut. “After consulting with my naturopathic doctor and my ob-gyn, as well as with my son’s allergist, I felt comfortable using probiotics during my second and third trimesters.”

That’s perfect timing for potential eczema prevention, notes Dr. Ludgin. “When probiotics are considered, multi-strain formulations started in the third trimester and continued through lactation appear most effective” for eczema prevention, she says.

Mandy D. adds that her third baby—the only one born after she started probiotics—had the least amount of cradle cap and no eczema. “To this day, she’s had the least amount of skin [and] digestion issues of my three kids.”

Potential Risks of Taking Probiotics While Pregnant

There are some risks to consider before taking probiotics while pregnant. The biggest one is that for some women, they could increase the risk of preeclampsia, although the evidence is mixed. Make sure to talk to your provider about your individual risk factors.

Safety Considerations: What to Look for in Probiotics During Pregnancy

It’s important to read the label before choosing a probiotic during pregnancy. For starters, avoid any multi-strain probiotics that contain the microorganism saccharomyces, as its safety during pregnancy isn’t well studied, Dr. O’Shell warns. Also be wary of any “products with excessive sugar, artificial sweeteners and herbal additives,” she adds. To play it safe,review your options with your healthcare provider in advance.

Foods With Natural Probiotics

Supplements aren’t the only way to take probiotics while pregnant. Some foods naturally contain probiotics and provide plenty of health benefits. These include:

• Yogurt
• Sauerkraut
• Soy products like miso and tempeh
• Kimchi

But make sure to stay away from unpasteurized food products, particularly when it comes to fermented foods and dairy.

That being said, “pasteurized yogurt is the best studied and the safest food option during pregnancy” in terms of probiotic supplementation, according to Dr. O’Shell. Studies have shown that eating pasteurized yogurt during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and lower fasting blood sugar.

Additionally, pasteurized fermented foods have been shown to help reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis and food allergies in babies. “Overall, pasteurized yogurt, pasteurized cheese and fermented soy products like miso are great options for probiotic health during pregnancy,” says Dr. O’Shell.

To Sum It Up

Probiotics are “good” forms of bacteria and yeast that can be found in certain foods, like yogurt and sauerkraut, supplements and health products. Taking probiotics during pregnancy, either through food or supplements, can come with a variety of potential health benefits—including reducing the risk of gestational diabetes and preventing baby eczema. That said, it’s important to talk to your provider before introducing them into your diet or routine.

How We Developed This Article

We spoke with two ob-gyns as well as two real moms—including an editor at The Bump—to complete our research on taking probiotics while pregnant. We scoured pregnancy forums, social media and also turned to research from medical institutions such as Cleveland Clinic and various journals. After editing, this article was vetted through fact-check and reviewed by our ob-gyn medical adviser. Learn more about how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.

About the author: Lynsey Eidell is a freelance writer and mom of three. While she didn’t personally take a probiotic while pregnant, she says giving a pediatric probiotic formula to her toddler helped relieve his constipation problem! She has researched and written dozens of reviews and lifecycle articles for The Bump about pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.